Vivekananda Rock Memorial Kanyakumari Timings

Located 500 meters away the mainland, Vivekananda Rock Memorial is a place of great scenic beauty, historical importance and religious significance. Undeniably one of the most popular places to see in Kanyakumari, this rock is considered to be holy as well as an architectural wonder. Vivekananda Rock Memorial is one of the two rocks located slightly away from the mainland.

On this rock, a captivating memorial of Swami Vivekananda has been built which was inaugurated in the year of 1970. This was to honour the great saint and leader of India, Swami Vivekananda who has visited Kanyakumari in 1892, a few days before leaving for Chicago for World Religious Conference. He had then visited the rock and meditated here for two days.

The religious importance is this rock owes to the belief that this rock has imprint of Goddess Devi Kumari’s feet and hence it is said to be blessed. Sripada Mandapam and Vivekananda Mandapam are two places to see here on the Rock memorial.

Architecture of Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Kanyakumari

Vivekananda Rock Memorial boasts of great architectural excellence. The memorial which was inaugurated in 1970 now mesmerises every visitors with its architecture. It was in 1962, when the idea of the memorial was first proposed. There two primary mandapam- Vivekananda Mandapam and Sripada Mandapam; both these mandapam have been built in such a way that the statue of Swami Vivekananda can be seen directly from Sripadam.

Vivekananda Mandapam at Vivekananda Rock Memorial

An architectural masterpiece, Vivekananda Mandapam is quite similar in structure to Sri Ramakrishna Temple which is located in Belur, while the entrances of the memorial can trace their style from the ancient Ajanta and Ellora cave temples. The life size bronze statue of Swami Vivekananda in his ‘Parivrajak’ posture is alluring and one of the most attractive features of the memorial.

This mandapam has various sections. There is a meditation hall with six rooms adjoining it; it is called as Dhyana Mandapam. Its spiritual atmosphere is ideal for a peaceful meditation. The assembly halls combined with two rooms, corridor, and open courtyard (prakaram) is the Sabha Mandapam. It also includes the area where statute has been kept, called as Pralima Mandapam. Another section is Mukha Mandapam. The area with front steps has two more rooms and a corridor.

Shripada Mandapam at Vivekananda Rock Memorial

It is a square hall with various sections namely Garbha Graham which is the Sanctum Sanctorum, Inner Prakaram, Outer Prakaram and Outer Platform around the hall.

History of Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Kanyakumari

The Vivekananda Rock Memorial was built in the memory of India’s one of the greatest saint and leader Swami Vivekananda. It is the place where he has meditated. Swami Vivekananda has arrived to Kanyakumari in 1892 and has meditated on this rock for two days. This was a few days before his departure for Chicago to attend World Religious Conference. It is said that at this place, Goddess Parvati has blessed Swami, who was an ardent devotee of Goddess Durga, and initiated his understanding of India, its glory and on the way to elevate it.

This rock has great significance religiously as well. It is the place where Goddess Kanya Kumari has done her penance. The marks of Goddess’s pious feet can be seen on the rock. There is a small projection which resembles the human feet. Hence the name Sri Pada Parai was given; a Tamil word denoting the rock which has been sanctified by the Goddess’s feet. According to some beliefs, the original ancient temple of Devi Kanya was built at this rock. However, later with changing time, the rock became an island and the mainland separated from it.

Entry Fee and Timings of Vivekananda Rock Memorial

The entry fee of Vivekananda Memorial rock is Rs.10 per person. Also the charges for ferry to the rocks from the mainland are minimal at Rs.20 per person. Opening timings of Vivekananda Rock Memorial is from 8 in morning to 4 in evening.

Reaching Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Kanyakumari

Reaching Vivekananda Rock Memorial is not a difficult task as it is well connected to the land. There are many ferry services that run between the island and the mainland with minimal charges. The ferry services usually operate from 8 AM to 4 PM.